Having a hard time explaining stories. What can I do to improve?

Yes, it's quite normal. Stories can be complex with multiple plotlines and characters. Everyone has their own way of understanding and retelling, and it can take time to find your groove.

One way is to break the story into smaller parts. For example, if it's a long book, read a chapter at a time and summarize it in your head. Another tip is to familiarize yourself with different story structures, like the hero's journey. This can make it easier to anticipate what's coming next in a story and thus help you follow it better. If it's a story told verbally, ask the person to slow down a bit if possible.

To get better at retelling a story, engage in active listening or reading. Really understand what's going on in the story. Try to put yourself in the shoes of the characters. When you start retelling, start slowly and focus on getting the main points across clearly. As you become more comfortable, you can add more details. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. Everyone has to start somewhere, and with practice, you'll become more proficient at retelling stories.

One thing you can do is to watch movies or TV shows based on fiction stories. Pay attention to how the story unfolds, how the characters are developed, and the overall narrative arc. Also, join a writing group or workshop. There, you can get feedback from others and learn from their experiences. Try to brainstorm ideas freely without worrying about grammar or structure at first. Just let your imagination run wild.

To get better at telling fiction stories, try using prompts. There are many online resources that offer writing prompts for fiction. These can spark your creativity. Another tip is to study the elements of a good story, like setting, conflict, and resolution. Analyze how your favorite fiction stories use these elements. Then, when you start writing your own, you can apply what you've learned. You might also find it helpful to keep a journal where you jot down interesting ideas for stories as they come to you.

You could start by reading summaries of the fanfictions first. This can give you an idea of the overall plot and whether it might be something you'll enjoy. Also, try reading shorter romance fanfictions at first to build up your tolerance.

One way to get better at telling stories is to record yourself when you try. Listen back and note what parts seem unclear or boring. Also, focus on using vivid descriptions. Instead of just saying 'a big house', you could say 'a huge, imposing mansion with ivy creeping up its stone walls'.

Well, one thing you can do is to join a book club. Discussing the fiction with others can give you different perspectives and make it more engaging. Another tip is to set aside a specific time for reading every day, so it becomes a habit. Maybe start with just 15 minutes a day and gradually increase the time.

You could start with shorter novels or novellas. They are less intimidating and can help you build up your reading stamina. Also, choose novels in genres that you are interested in, like if you like mystery, start with mystery novels.

You could start by trying different genres of fiction. Maybe you haven't found the right one yet. For example, if you don't like complex fantasy, try a simple and engaging mystery novel. Also, join a book club. Discussing the book with others can give you new perspectives and make you more interested in it.